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Rubus odoratus

Previously known as:

  • Rubacer odoratum
Phonetic Spelling
ROO-bus oh-dor-AY-tuss
Description

Rubus odoratus, or Purple Flowering raspberry, is a native deciduous perennial of Eastern North America. It is common in the mountain region of North Carolina and is one of the easiest to recognize Rubus species, with large palmately lobed leaves and colorful petals. It is a deciduous shrub with canes that can grow to 6 feet tall and 12 feet across. It is typically grown as an ornamental because of its rose-like, long-blooming, fragrant flowers, its medium green leaves that turn golden in the fall, and hairy stems with virtually no prickles. In addition to its appearance, the lackluster fruit (edible but somewhat dry, crumbly and unappetizing) also favors it use as an ornamental. The plant is sometimes commonly called thimbleberry (though this common name is usually more appropriate for the similar but white-flowered Rubus parviflorus of the West).

This plant is beneficial for songbirds, game birds, butterflies, bees, large and small mammals.  Also used for nesting material for bees.  

The Purple Flowering Raspberry grows best in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It will grow well in sandy soils, but does not like clay. It has good shade tolerance. It best to prune immediately after fruiting. Grows best in moist but not wet soil, enriched with organic matter. It dislikes high humidity and high temperatures and needs good air circulation. It is found naturally in upland forests, boulderfields, rock outcrops, thickets, and substrates. It can be propagated from bare root, seed, or sprigs. An aggressive, suckering habit needs to be watched.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:

Other than honey fungus, to which most Rubus species are susceptible, there are no known problems.

More information on Rubus.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant#deciduous#shrub#NC native#native garden#pollinator plant#NC Native Pollinator Plant#food source nectar#food source pollen#bird friendly#nectar plant late spring#mammals#food source soft mast fruit#butterfly friendly#nectar plant early summer#nectar plant midspring#bee friendly#Audubon#perennial#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant#deciduous#shrub#NC native#native garden#pollinator plant#NC Native Pollinator Plant#food source nectar#food source pollen#bird friendly#nectar plant late spring#mammals#food source soft mast fruit#butterfly friendly#nectar plant early summer#nectar plant midspring#bee friendly#Audubon#perennial#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Rubus
    Species:
    odoratus
    Family:
    Rosaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Root Cutting
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Eastern United States
    Wildlife Value:
    Beneficial for songbirds, game birds, butterflies, bees, large and small mammals. Also used for nesting material for bees. This plant provides nectar for pollinators.
    Edibility:
    Edible but somewhat dry, crumbly and unappetizing.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Native Plant
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Drupe
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Flowers give way to 3/4" diameter, cup-shaped red fruits. Fruits are available July-October and are edible.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Rose-like, fragrant, 2" wide, rose-purple flowers which appear over a long summer bloom period. Flowers fade to magenta-pink in summer. The flowers are flat and fragrant. Flowers bloom April-August.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Velvety
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Width:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Palmate, 5-lobed, maple-like, medium green leaves become pale yellow in fall. The leaves are simple, finely serrated.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    Yes
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    Hairy stems but virtually no prickles. Older bark will peel. Has a scent similar to cedar.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Edible Garden
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Small Mammals
    Songbirds